You will first need four-wheel drive. Then take an hour's break at the visitor’s center before heading up to the observatories at Mauna Kea’s summit. You might feel a little light-headed when you reach the top—if not for the altitude, then for the epic sunset you will behold suspended above the clouds.

It's best to go during the wetter, winter months for a better chance of snow on the ground.

Become a paniolo (Hawaiian cowboy) for a day and do an actual cattle drive while on the Big Island of Hawaii. Even though it was a rainy, moody day, it was the perfect unique experience to have in Hawaii. Hawaii is much more than beaches!

Can honey make the world a better place? Prior to traveling on the Big Island, my answer to that question was most definitely “Huh? ” most likely followed by “No.” However, after meeting Richard of the Volcano Island Honey Company and spending hours with him, my answer is now an enthusiastic “Yes!” ... (Read more about Sherry Ott's experience) — Sherry Ott

We passed this incredible cemetery just north of Hilo. It resides along the water and has this massive sprawling tree directly in the center of it. It was a very peaceful place, and I can only imagine how calming it makes one feel to know that their loved ones are but a stone's throw from the ocean where they grew up.

Not going for any photo awards here. I just feel compelled to document the occasional blindingly repulsive aspects of travel now and then. This godless creature haunted an otherwise lovely Hawaiian romp. In fact, it still haunts me.

This is a photo of the gut contents of what invasive peacock groupers (known as roi) eat off of local reefs. Recent efforts by local divers resulted in a concerted effort to remove these invasive fish to protect our reefs. Off of the Kohala coast.

My wife and I like the amenities of resort vacations as much as the next couple. But in June 2012, we spent a month living like locals. Our favorite part of that experience was at a magical place near Hawi named Puakea Ranch.

The place is dripping with history: All four of the structures on the property date back to the 1940s or earlier, vestiges of the place’s former life as a pig ranch and a sugar plantation as part of the communal Kohala Field system. ... (Read more about Matt Villano's experience)— Matt Villano

For a challenge, scuba divers should seek out the sunken Beechcraft airplane that lies near the Kona airport. The plane rests at a depth of about 115 feet, which makes it a little more challenging (deeper) dive than some other sites in the area. The plane crashed in the 1980s and everyone was able to evacuate the plane, except one passenger. A local fire rescue professional was nearby and watched the crash, pulled on his gear, and was able to pull the remaining woman out of the aircraft and saved her life. Attempts to salvage the wreck from the Pacific were unsuccessful, so this aircraft has a permanent resting place in the ocean where sea creatures are now making it a home.